GPA's, GRE's, XTRA's, ACCEPTANCES

[uark17]

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Has anyone been accepted to Temple or waitlisted and then accepted and have any recommendations? They told me I was waitlisted about a month ago and I wasn't sure of the odds of getting in at this point. I have heard that it is good to be persistent with them, but I don't know how much is too much or what to say exactly.

 

[AspiringOT1218]

I am giving up my spot in the class this week so at least one seat is opening up!

I just received my acceptance off of the waitlist this afternoon! SO excited! 🙂 Good luck to you wherever you end up going!

 

[PuppyloverOT]

I just received my acceptance off of the waitlist this afternoon! SO excited! 🙂 Good luck to you wherever you end up going!

Best of luck! Pittsburgh is an awesome city and Pitt is a good research school. Thanks!

 

[MOTmking]

Has anyone on here that's been accepted to Nova's MOT not found a place to live yet? I just found out I got in off of the high hold list. I have already committed to another program but Nova is really my dream school. I am from New York so I would be totally starting over in 3 weeks lol so I figured finding a roommate would be my first step.

 

[aiwalker7]

Has anyone on here that's been accepted to Nova's MOT not found a place to live yet? I just found out I got in off of the high hold list. I have already committed to another program but Nova is really my dream school. I am from New York so I would be totally starting over in 3 weeks lol so I figured finding a roommate would be my first step.

Hey I am renting a room for the summer from the Nova Housing Website, have you joined the Facebook group. I think there were a couple people looking for roommates on there! Message me if you need some more info on it!

 

[mdOT17]

College: Roanoke College
Major: Sociology, Psychology minor, Health Care Delivery Concentration
Overall GPA: 3.062
Pre-Req GPA: Depends on school but around 3.2-3.4
GRE: V: 145 Q: 146 A: 4.0

Extra-Curricular: Member of Alpha Phi Omega (also served on Exec board for a year), Work in admissions office as a student assistant and tour guide, Internship currently, volunteered over the summer at a school for kids w/special needs, various other volunteer activities near my school.

Hours: 110 total split up among two types of places (60 in peds outpatient and currently completing hours in a skilled inpatient nursing facility)

Applied: Virginia Commonwealth University, Mary Baldwin University, Shenandoah University, Jefferson College of Health Sciences, Emory & Henry College

Rejections: Jefferson College of Health Sciences, Mary Baldwin University, Shenandoah, and VCU

Interviews: Emory and Henry College (1.28)

Waitlisted: Emory and Henry College (2.15)

Accepted: Emory and Henry College (4.26)

I do not have very great numbers, but I am a hardworking and well-rounded student and hope to show that through my application 🙂

I found out that I got off the waitlist this morning for Emory and Henry! can't wait!! Where are my other E&H folk?? 🙂

 

[_OThopeful_]

UPDATE!!

University: UC Davis
Major: Human Development
Overall GPA: 3.99
Pre-Req GPA: 3.97
GRE: 164 V, 154 Q, 5 AW

Extra-Curric: Work as a paraeducator at elementary school, internship at preschool/experience 1:1 with boy with autism, research assistant in aging/cognition lab and lab studying autism, VP/founding officer of pre-OT club, Arts-Music-Inspire club member (we did art/music with kids in hospitals and group homes), Davis Aggie Lions club member (community service), patient care volunteer with hospice organization, assistant riding instructor at equestrian therapy center (3 years, provided riding lessons to kids and adults with disabilities)

Volunteer/Shadowing: 202 total with 94 in skilled nursing, 24 in outpatient peds, 42 in elementary school, 42 in hospital/acute rehab

Applying: USC, Stanbridge College, St. Catherine University, College of St. Scholastica, University of Minnesota (Rochester), University of South Dakota (I have family all over and will go anywhere that accepts me!!)

Acceptances: USC, Stanbridge, St. Catherine, College of St. Scholastica (will be attending!)

Rejections:

Interviews: Stanbridge (01/27), University of South Dakota (Declined)

Waitlist: University of Minnesota (Rochester)

I definitely have a few (more than a few) gray hairs after this process. I am so thankful to have gotten into some great programs and have a new place to call home in the fall as I embark on my journey to become an OT. My advice to people applying/on this forum - believe in yourself!!! 🙂

 

[Melgardner]

University: Louisiana State University - Shreveport
Major: Community Health
Overall GPA: 3.66
Pre-Req GPA: 3.66
GRE: 149 Verbal, 152 Quantitative, 4.0 Writing

Extra-Currie: Worked as a therapy tech at a level one trauma hospital in both acute and outpatient areas, worked as a therapy tech at an outpatient pediatric center, worked at an orthotics and prosthetics office

Volunteer: Spent two weeks at a summer camp for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, once as a camp counselor and once as a cabin leader. Spent a semester as a "coach" for an after school program called "Girls on the Run" for girls ranging from 3rd to 5th grade. Spent a semester interning at a daycare/preschool that focused on "inclusive education" by combining children with disabilities and children without disabilities in the same classroom.

Applied: TWU, all campuses

Waitlisted: TWU

Acceptances: TWU Houston (as of this week)

Rejections: none

Interviews: none

 

[FutureOT13]

Final Update for me. Feel free to ask any questions!!
University: Jefferson College of Health Sciences and Thomas Nelson Community College- Associates in Science
Major: Health Sciences with Minors in Psychology and Public Health
Overall GPA: 4.0 (My major was easy, I'm not actually that smart in my opinion 🙂)
Pre-Req GPA: 4.0
GRE: Verbal:153 Quantitative:152 Writing:4.5

Extra-Curric: Resident advisor for a year, substitute paraeducator at an elementary school, soccer referee for 5 years, babysitting a lot.

Volunteer: Special Ed. Summer school one year, Early childhood intervention intern for 80 hours, 3 mission trips to Latin America to work with special ed schools and orphanages, and special ed teacher's aide for an hour everyday for a school year.

Shadowing: 45 hours at adult outpatient, 40 at pediatric outpatient, 10 at elementary school, 10 at inpatient rehab

Applied: Jefferson College of Health Sciences and Radford University

Acceptances: Jefferson College of Health Sciences and Radford University

Rejections: None 🙂

Interviews: Jefferson College of Health Sciences

Currently trying to decide between Jefferson and Radford. I attend Jefferson and love it, but Radford is a lot cheaper. Any advice with this would be appreciated!! Is it better to go to the cheaper school or the school that is a little better???

 

[dobber]

Final Update for me. Feel free to ask any questions!!
University: Jefferson College of Health Sciences and Thomas Nelson Community College- Associates in Science
Major: Health Sciences with Minors in Psychology and Public Health
Overall GPA: 4.0 (My major was easy, I'm not actually that smart in my opinion 🙂)
Pre-Req GPA: 4.0
GRE: Verbal:153 Quantitative:152 Writing:4.5

Extra-Curric: Resident advisor for a year, substitute paraeducator at an elementary school, soccer referee for 5 years, babysitting a lot.

Volunteer: Special Ed. Summer school one year, Early childhood intervention intern for 80 hours, 3 mission trips to Latin America to work with special ed schools and orphanages, and special ed teacher's aide for an hour everyday for a school year.

Shadowing: 45 hours at adult outpatient, 40 at pediatric outpatient, 10 at elementary school, 10 at inpatient rehab

Applied: Jefferson College of Health Sciences and Radford University

Acceptances: Jefferson College of Health Sciences and Radford University

Rejections: None 🙂

Interviews: Jefferson College of Health Sciences

Currently trying to decide between Jefferson and Radford. I attend Jefferson and love it, but Radford is a lot cheaper. Any advice with this would be appreciated!! Is it better to go to the cheaper school or the school that is a little better???

Cheaper is good, it doesn't matter where you went to school as long as you pass your boards in the end

 

[akk3]

Hello everyone! I am a current undergrad student studying OT. I have a question... I received a "C" in Anatomy and Physiology I, should I retake that class?

 

[MrTL]

Hello everyone! I am a current undergrad student studying OT. I have a question... I received a "C" in Anatomy and Physiology I, should I retake that class?

Yes. Most schools require a B or higher in Anatomy and Physiology I & II to even look at your application. I recommend looking at the school admission requirements for the schools you may want to apply to and contact them if needed.

 

[loolin123]

Please review my stats and let me know what I can improve! 🙂 Thank you.

University: California State University, Fullerton
Major: B.S. Health Science
Overall GPA: 2.75
Pre-Req GPA: 3.2 - 3.8 (depending on school)
GRE: 149V, 147Q, 3.5 AW (Will be retaking in August 2017)

Job Experience:
1000+ hours in-home behavioral therapy for children with Autism (current job)

Volunteer:
400+ hours in inpatient and outpatient rehab (both peds and geriatric)
100+ hours outpatient sports therapy (PT/OT/OTA) (current)
I am thinking about volunteering at a nursing home, but that will happen after the first round of schools in 2018 if they don't accept me.

Applying to:

AT. Still, Touro University, Midwestern University, University of St. Augustine (San Marcos), USC, CSUDH, Stanbridge University, SJSU, West Coast University
(Should I apply to more schools? I am not able to move out of state further than Nevada at the moment)

 

[PNW_OT]

Please review my stats and let me know what I can improve! 🙂 Thank you.

University: California State University, Fullerton
Major: B.S. Health Science
Overall GPA: 2.75
Pre-Req GPA: 3.2 - 3.8 (depending on school)
GRE: 149V, 147Q, 3.5 AW (Will be retaking in August 2017)

Job Experience:
1000+ hours in-home behavioral therapy for children with Autism (current job)

Volunteer:
400+ hours in inpatient and outpatient rehab (both peds and geriatric)
100+ hours outpatient sports therapy (PT/OT/OTA) (current)
I am thinking about volunteering at a nursing home, but that will happen after the first round of schools in 2018 if they don't accept me.

Applying to:

AT. Still, Touro University, Midwestern University, University of St. Augustine (San Marcos), USC, CSUDH, Stanbridge University, SJSU, West Coast University
(Should I apply to more schools? I am not able to move out of state further than Nevada at the moment)

9 schools is plenty! It would be exhausting and expensive to apply to more. You will surprise yourself. Make sure you apply as early as possible for rolling admissions schools or they won't give you a chance. Submit your application to Midwestern by end of August and AT Still by the end of September and you should be good for their interviews. Anything after that and you will very likely be waitlisted or not even contacted for an interview.

 

[dbarajas]

University: UC Berkeley
Major: Molecular Biology
Overall GPA: 3.1
Pre-req GPA: 3.4-3.6
GRE: Verbal 158, Quantitative 157, Writing 4.0

Past Experience: Research Assistant at a child care employment center, Medical Center Admin, Activities Volunteer at a senior community, Son-Rise Volunteer, Special Olympics Assistant Coach

Current Experience: Behavior Technician working with 5 clients (3-13 years old), sub for an all-inclusive research school

OT hours: 160 hours in the pediatric rehab department at a children’s hospital, 60 hours at a hand clinic, 35 hours at a school for children with autism and communication disorders

Applied: San Jose State University, Midwestern University (Glendale and Downers Grove), Milligan College, Philadelphia University, Rush University, Samuel Merritt University, Thomas Jefferson University, University of Puget Sound, West Coast University, Maryville University, A.T. Still University, University of St. Augustine (San Marcos)

Interviews: Samuel Merritt (1/14), Rush (1/16), University of St. Augustine (2/10)

Wait listed: Midwestern (WL for an interview 10/11), PhilaU (1/23), Samuel Merritt (1/25)

Acceptances: None yet

Rejections: A.T. Still

Did A.T. Still say why they rejected you?

 

[OTeezy]

University: Cal State Dominguez Hills
Major: physical education
Overall GPA: 3.23
Pre-Req GPA: 3.65
GRE: pending (taking next month)

Hey guys, I'm new here.
Question:Since my overall GPA is low, Do you think I should retake A&P 2 and development psychology to get A's. I currently have B's in both. Also, I'm limited to schools to apply because I can't move away to far right now. My choices are LSUHSC-shreveport, LSUHSC- New Orleans, TWU (Texas), and possible UCA (Arkansas)

 

[nOTeworthy]

University: Cal State Dominguez Hills
Major: physical education
Overall GPA: 3.23
Pre-Req GPA: 3.65
GRE: pending (taking next month)

Hey guys, I'm new here.
Question:Since my overall GPA is low, Do you think I should retake A&P 2 and development psychology to get A's. I currently have B's in both. Also, I'm limited to schools to apply because I can't move away to far right now. My choices are LSUHSC-shreveport, LSUHSC- New Orleans, TWU (Texas), and possible UCA (Arkansas)

Retaking them would help, yes. If you're applying this cycle, I wouldn't bother unless you're able to take the courses this summer. And remember, the earlier you submit all your documentation, the better. Many schools accept students on a rolling basis. The class may be full before the deadline has passed. So take that into consideration. If you choose not to retake the courses, focus heavily on the LORs and personal statement. They can make or break you. Surely it's what makes the difference between lower GPAs getting in and perfect GPAs getting rejected.

 

[luminosity]

Hey guys,

Does anyone know how GPAs from different schools are combined on OTCAS and/or looked at by schools?!

I went to a different school my freshman year and ended up transferring to the school I plan to graduate from this summer and I also took some pre-reqs at a community college (so in total I have 3 different transcripts), and I was just wondering how the cumulative GPA would be calculated.

Any help would be appreciated! 🙂

 

[empassOT2018]

Hey guys,

Does anyone know how GPAs from different schools are combined on OTCAS and/or looked at by schools?!

I went to a different school my freshman year and ended up transferring to the school I plan to graduate from this summer and I also took some pre-reqs at a community college (so in total I have 3 different transcripts), and I was just wondering how the cumulative GPA would be calculated.

Any help would be appreciated! 🙂

Grade Point Averages (GPA’s)

you just combine them all

-update- actually i take this back. i think it depends on the school whether they look at the graduating BA gpa or the total cumulative gpa.

 

[OTeezy]

University: Louisiana State University - Shreveport
Major: Community Health
Overall GPA: 3.66
Pre-Req GPA: 3.66
GRE: 149 Verbal, 152 Quantitative, 4.0 Writing

Extra-Currie: Worked as a therapy tech at a level one trauma hospital in both acute and outpatient areas, worked as a therapy tech at an outpatient pediatric center, worked at an orthotics and prosthetics office

Volunteer: Spent two weeks at a summer camp for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, once as a camp counselor and once as a cabin leader. Spent a semester as a "coach" for an after school program called "Girls on the Run" for girls ranging from 3rd to 5th grade. Spent a semester interning at a daycare/preschool that focused on "inclusive education" by combining children with disabilities and children without disabilities in the same classroom.

Applied: TWU, all campuses

Waitlisted: TWU

Acceptances: TWU Houston (as of this week)

Rejections: none

Interviews: none

HI! I'm here in Shreveport after moving back from undergrad. Did you apply to LSUHSC Shreveport?

 

[empassOT2018]

Has anyone had an interview at Stanbridge University before? Would anyone care to share the details?? Thank you!!

 

[Aot007]

Okay so here are my stats

University: Florida A&M University
Major: B.S. Health Science Pre-Occupational therapy
Overall GPA: Cum 3.17 (2.97 according to OTCAS, should go up retook 2 prereqs)
Pre-Req GPA: 3.0 - 3.5 (depending on school)
GRE: 143V, 143Q, 4.0 AW (Will be retaking in August 2017)

Job Experience:
1000+ hours outpatient clinic as a therapy aide (current job)

Volunteer:
20 acute care
20 skilled nursing
20 outpatient (not including my work hours)

Need some advice about where I should apply, I want to stay in Florida but I wouldn't mind going out of the state. Im trying to be positive as this will be my 2nd year applying 🙁

 

[Istoriaphile]

posted in wrong forum

 

[ototot123]

Did anyone get an interview invite for LSUHSC- New Orleans?

 

[ThatAcquaKid]

University:University of Richmond, 2015
Major: Public Health/Psychology
Overall GPA:3.22
Pre-Req GPA: Between 3.73-3.98
GRE: Verbal-155, Quant-156, Writing- 4.0

Volunteer:99.5 hours between Skilled Nursing Facility, School for kids with Autism, and Outpatient Center

Applied: Boston U 8/12, Belmont 8/12 Thomas Jefferson (OTD) 8/16, Rush University (9/15), MGH (9/15)

Acceptances:Thomas Jefferson, Boston U

Rejections:

Interviews: Thomas Jefferson (10/23), Belmont (Declined Interview), Boston U (12/8), Rush (Declined Interview), MGH (Declined Interview)

Attending:Thomas Jefferson!

 

[Sjaze]

University:College of Charleston, 2016 Summa Cum Laude
Major: BA Psychology
Overall GPA: 3.67
Last 60 GPA:3.92
Prereq GPA: 3.69-4.0
GRE: V-150 Q-140 (yikes) AW-3.5 (retaking Sept 14)
2nd: V-150 Q-148 AW-4.5

Volunteer/Observation:
120 hrs activities coordinator Intern at Bishop Gadsen retirement/nursing home in skilled Nursing, Assisted living, and Memory care unit
60 hrs massage therapy clinicals at SEI
30 hrs OT shadow acute inpatient rehab at MUSC hospital in Neuro, Ortho, and Gen med
10 hrs OT hand specialist outpatient rehab at MUSC OT/PT clinic
30 hrs OTA shadow at Amedisys homehealth
30 hrs OT shadow at Amedisys homehealth

Awards/honors: International Goldenkey honor Society
Psi Chi Honor Society
Summa Cum Laude
Hibernian Honor Society Scholarship
Betty Kinloch Scholarship
Psychology Club

Applying: MUSC, TWU, AT still University, Stockton, and Sacred Heart
Accepted:
Rejected:
Interview: AT STILLS (12/8) TWU (1/10)

Do you guys think my GRE scores are so low that I wont be accepted anywhere and that my stats are strong enough to compete? Its my first year applying and I'm super nervous.

 

[To_oT]

Overall GPA: 3.6
Pre-Req GPA: 3.8-4.0
GRE: Q-156 V-156 W-4.0

Volunteer:
~110+ hours in a variety of settings

Applying: UF, Nova MOT, FGCU, Alabama-Birmingham, MUSC, UNC

Acceptances: Nova
Rejections:
Interviews: Nova, FGCU, MUSC, UAB (declined)

 

[ClimbGirlClimb]

University: University of Wisconsin-Madison 2012
Major: Double major: Political Science and Sociology with a Concentration in Research Methodology
Overall GPA: 3.7
Pre-Req GPA: 4.0 so far (taking A&P II this fall)
GRE: 164 V, 155 Q, 5 AW (took August '17)

Extra-Curric: Worked full time as a rehab aide at a hospital for the last year (inpatient care on almost every unit), 3 years teaching English in Japan on the JET Program after college, 1 year working as an infant teacher in a childcare center, 1.5 year internship with population studies laboratory at UW-Madison, internship with WI state representative's office in college, 5 months as a nanny for a toddler

Volunteer/Shadowing: Volunteered for the past 6 months at a group home for adults with disabilities, about 40 hours so far. Volunteered at the hospital I now work at, 40 hours. Shadowed outpatient peds (12 hours), hospital NICU (8 hours), adult outpatient neuro (8 hours), TCU (25 hours), hand therapy (20 hours). A few volunteer hours at Special Olympics events and kids rock climbing camps. Led a weekly English conversation community group in Japan and tutored adults one-on-one in English as well.

LOR: 1 from rehab supervisor at hospital I work at, 1 from an OT at the hospital, 1 from A&P professor, 1 from supervisor at childcare center

Applying: UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, University of Minnesota (Twin Cities and Rochester campus), St. Catherine University, Allen College

Acceptances:

Rejections:

Interviews:

I'm really nervous to apply, especially since I'm 27 and only figured out I wanted to do OT a couple of years ago. I see a lot of people with so many more extra-curriculars and different volunteer experiences in college. Fingers crossed for everyone!

 

[To_oT]

University:College of Charleston, 2016 Summa Cum Laude
Major: BA Psychology
Overall GPA: 3.67
Last 60 GPA:3.92
Prereq GPA: 3.69-4.0
GRE: V-150 Q-140 (yikes) AW-3.5 (retaking Sept 14)

Volunteer/Observation:
120 hrs activities coordinator Intern at Bishop Gadsen retirement/nursing home in skilled Nursing, Assisted living, and Memory care unit
60 hrs massage therapy clinicals at SEI
30 hrs OT shadow acute inpatient rehab at MUSC hospital in Neuro, Ortho, and Gen med
10 hrs OT hand specialist outpatient rehab at MUSC OT/PT clinic
30 hrs OTA shadow at Amedisys homehealth
30 hrs OT shadow at Amedisys homehealth

Awards/honors: International Goldenkey honor Society
Psi Chi Honor Society
Summa Cum Laude
Hibernian Honor Society Scholarship
Betty Kinloch Scholarship
Psychology Club

Applying: MUSC, TWU, Springfield, Jefferson, AT still University, Baypath University, Stockton, and Sacred Heart
Accepted:
Rejected:
Interview:

Do you guys think my GRE scores are so low that I wont be accepted anywhere and that my stats are strong enough to compete? Its my first year applying and I'm super nervous.

I know a lot of schools have minimum scores for each section that you must meet to be considered. I would check out the schools you are applying to websites, but your stats look good! Good luck 🙂

 

[nOTeworthy]

University:College of Charleston, 2016 Summa Cum Laude
Major: BA Psychology
Overall GPA: 3.67
Last 60 GPA:3.92
Prereq GPA: 3.69-4.0
GRE: V-150 Q-140 (yikes) AW-3.5 (retaking Sept 14)

Volunteer/Observation:
120 hrs activities coordinator Intern at Bishop Gadsen retirement/nursing home in skilled Nursing, Assisted living, and Memory care unit
60 hrs massage therapy clinicals at SEI
30 hrs OT shadow acute inpatient rehab at MUSC hospital in Neuro, Ortho, and Gen med
10 hrs OT hand specialist outpatient rehab at MUSC OT/PT clinic
30 hrs OTA shadow at Amedisys homehealth
30 hrs OT shadow at Amedisys homehealth

Awards/honors: International Goldenkey honor Society
Psi Chi Honor Society
Summa Cum Laude
Hibernian Honor Society Scholarship
Betty Kinloch Scholarship
Psychology Club

Applying: MUSC, TWU, Springfield, Jefferson, AT still University, Baypath University, Stockton, and Sacred Heart
Accepted:
Rejected:
Interview:

Do you guys think my GRE scores are so low that I wont be accepted anywhere and that my stats are strong enough to compete? Its my first year applying and I'm super nervous.

My GRE score was a little higher (152V, 145Q, 5.0AW), but you exceed my application on all other stats. I'd say just focus on your personal statement and LORs. I'm a student at TWU.

 

[Seabassi84]

University: University of Wisconsin-Madison 2012
Major: Double major: Political Science and Sociology with a Concentration in Research Methodology
Overall GPA: 3.7
Pre-Req GPA: 4.0 so far (taking A&P II this fall)
GRE: 164 V, 155 Q, 5 AW (took August '17)

Extra-Curric: Worked full time as a rehab aide at a hospital for the last year (inpatient care on almost every unit), 3 years teaching English in Japan on the JET Program after college, 1 year working as an infant teacher in a childcare center, 1.5 year internship with population studies laboratory at UW-Madison, internship with WI state representative's office in college, 5 months as a nanny for a toddler

Volunteer/Shadowing: Volunteered for the past 6 months at a group home for adults with disabilities, about 40 hours so far. Volunteered at the hospital I now work at, 40 hours. Shadowed outpatient peds (12 hours), hospital NICU (8 hours), adult outpatient neuro (8 hours), TCU (25 hours), hand therapy (20 hours). A few volunteer hours at Special Olympics events and kids rock climbing camps. Led a weekly English conversation community group in Japan and tutored adults one-on-one in English as well.

LOR: 1 from rehab supervisor at hospital I work at, 1 from an OT at the hospital, 1 from A&P professor, 1 from supervisor at childcare center

Applying: UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, University of Minnesota (Twin Cities and Rochester campus), St. Catherine University, Allen College

Acceptances:

Rejections:

Interviews:

I'm really nervous to apply, especially since I'm 27 and only figured out I wanted to do OT a couple of years ago. I see a lot of people with so many more extra-curriculars and different volunteer experiences in college. Fingers crossed for everyone!

Dont worry about being 27, im 33 and figured out i wanted to be an OT at 29. best of luck to us older applicants lol

 

[Seabassi84]

Okay so here are my stats

University: Florida A&M University
Major: B.S. Health Science Pre-Occupational therapy
Overall GPA: Cum 3.17 (2.97 according to OTCAS, should go up retook 2 prereqs)
Pre-Req GPA: 3.0 - 3.5 (depending on school)
GRE: 143V, 143Q, 4.0 AW (Will be retaking in August 2017)

Job Experience:
1000+ hours outpatient clinic as a therapy aide (current job)

Volunteer:
20 acute care
20 skilled nursing
20 outpatient (not including my work hours)

Need some advice about where I should apply, I want to stay in Florida but I wouldn't mind going out of the state. Im trying to be positive as this will be my 2nd year applying 🙁

Im applying my 2nd time as well but i applied super late (Dec) and only applied to three schools i could see myself living at. This year i applied to everywhere i met the requirements w/o GRE requirements. 8 schools total. dont limit yourself to a specific state and branch out.

 

[Sjaze]

My GRE score was a little higher (152V, 145Q, 5.0AW), but you exceed my application on all other stats. I'd say just focus on your personal statement and LORs. I'm a student at TWU.

Thanks for your response, I am a little nervous about my personal statement's length, its around 1,100 words now. Is that too long? BTW, I hope you are safe and were out of harms way from Harvey's path!

 

[nOTeworthy]

Thanks for your response, I am a little nervous about my personal statement's length, its around 1,100 words now. Is that too long? BTW, I hope you are safe and were out of harms way from Harvey's path!

I recall OTCAS having two essay questions provided by the school. They're, like, limited to 300-500 words or so. Really short, I recall. I wasn't going to submit a separate Personal Statement, but I ended up throwing one together about one page long. They're looking for people who can best express their thoughts in the least amount of words. So longer isn't better, necessarily. But 1,100 sounds about the length of the page, right? If so, I'm sure you're fine.

 

[To_oT]

Do you guys know if the 3 letters of rec have to be 3 different sources? What I mean is does it have to be like 1 OT, 1 Work, 1 professor, or can I have 1 OT and 2 professors?

 

[OT3]

University: California Polytechnic University Pomona
Major: Kinesiology
Emphasis: Health Promotion
Cumulative GPA: 3.6
Pre-Req GPA: 3.6
Last 60 units: 4.0
No GRE

Volunteering/Shadowing:
-96 hours hippotherapy
-40 hours hand therapy
-200 hours pediatrics both in home and in clinic
-110 hours pediatrics sensory-based clinic
-60 hours outpatient rehab (neuro and hand therapy)

Extracurriculars:
-Sigma Kappa Sorority
-Golden Key Honours Society
-ABA therapist
-Attended Handwriting without Tears workshop on Pre-K Readiness and Writing
-Worked as a secretary at one of the OT clinics I volunteered at
-Nanny for a two year old (I told the people who I interviewed with that I use activities I see while volunteering with the boy I nanny like he was my client and they absolutely loved it!)

LORs: 1 from professor that taught an upper division pre-req course (abnormal psych.), 3 from OTs (all from pediatric setting)

Applied: Sacred Heart, Pacific University, University of Mary, SUNY, MCPHS, Davenport University, Touro University (Nevada), West Coast University, Clarkson University, Midwestern AZ

Interviewed: University of Mary, West Coast University, Touro University (Nevada)

Schools that don't require interviews: Davenport, MCPHS

Declined Interview: Midwestern AZ, Clarkson University

Waitlist: Touro University (Nevada), MCPHS

Acceptances: University of Mary, Davenport University, West Coast University

Denied: Sacred Heart, Pacific University, SUNY

Attending West Coast University, January 2018 start!!!!! I'm SO happy because this is my top school!
They have a great hands-on program and I had volunteered alongside quite a few of their students during both FWI and FWII. And as a bonus, although the program is pretty expensive (85k for the whole program), I won't have to worry about moving or paying rent while in the program and the commute is amazing, with a 5 minute subway ride and a 10 minute walk!

 

[90sOT]

Does anyone know when schools will be ranked again? (not that rankings matter!!!!)

 

[mystellique]

Hello, I'm a first-time applicant and I'm currently in the application process for the 2017-2018 cycle.

University: University of California - Santa Barbara (Quarter System)
Major: Biopsychology
Cumulative GPA: 3.01
Last 60 Semester/90 Quarter Unit GPA: 3.3-3.5
(Note: I took the prerequisite courses and a few other courses recently at a community college on the semester system. So it's difficult to determine my last 60 semester unit GPA. I'm not sure if they combine the GPA or treat them separately. So this is assuming that they combine the GPA.)
Pre-requisite GPA: 4.0
GRE: 152 Verbal, 158 Quantitative, AWA score pending (previous score was 3.5 🙁)
Volunteer/Observation: 113 hours at a pediatric OT clinic.
Work Experience: 2+ years as an ABA/Behavioral Therapist (1800+ clinical hours), in my second year as a Special Ed Aide (500+ hours)

I was wondering what my chances are for USC, Stanbridge, and SJSU. I understand that SJSU looks heavily at numbers and I would have to retake the GRE again. I have taken the GRE two times already and I wonder if it's worth the time and effort to try again. (I wouldn't mind but second opinions and thoughts would be appreciated.) I couldn't apply to CSUDH this cycle because I still have a course in progress. I'm going to attend both the USC info session and the Stanbridge info session to check the schools out. 🙂

 

[OT2BE2017]

Hello, I'm a first-time applicant and I'm currently in the application process for the 2017-2018 cycle.

University: University of California - Santa Barbara (Quarter System)
Major: Biopsychology
Cumulative GPA: 3.01
Last 60 Semester/90 Quarter Unit GPA: 3.3-3.5
(Note: I took the prerequisite courses and a few other courses recently at a community college on the semester system. So it's difficult to to determine my last 60 semester unit GPA. I'm not sure if they combine the GPA or treat them separately. So this is assuming that they combine the GPA.)
Pre-requisite GPA: 4.0
GRE: 152 Verbal, 158 Quantitative, AWA score pending (previous score was 3.5 🙁)
Volunteer/Observation: 113 hours at a pediatric OT clinic.
Work Experience: 2+ years as an ABA/Behavioral Therapist (1800+ clinical hours), in my second year as a Special Ed Aide (500+ hours)

I was wondering what my chances are for USC, Stanbridge, and SJSU. I understand that SJSU looks heavily at numbers and I would have to retake the GRE again. I have taken the GRE two times already and I wonder if it's worth the time and effort to try again. (I wouldn't mind but second opinions and thoughts would be appreciated.) I couldn't apply to CSUDH this cycle because I still have a course in progress. I'm going to attend both the USC info session and the Stanbridge info session to check the schools out. 🙂

In order to be a strong applicant for USC and SJSU, I HIGHLY recommend retaking the GRE. Both USC and SJSU have a minimum for the verbal component of the GRE, which is 153. And because your cumulative GPA is low, I highly recommend retaking the GRE to be more competitive, especially for SJSU. SJSU only looks at your last 60 semester/90 quarter units so your GPA is slightly higher for that, however, they do also require/recommend at least a 4.5+ for the writing portion of the GRE.

Overall, if you really want to attend either SJSU or USC retake the GRE! If you want to attend Stanbridge, I think your GRE scores are fine, you would just need to really nail the interview portion in order to get in.

 

[mystellique]

In order to be a strong applicant for USC and SJSU, I HIGHLY recommend retaking the GRE. Both USC and SJSU have a minimum for the verbal component of the GRE, which is 153. And because your cumulative GPA is low, I highly recommend retaking the GRE to be more competitive, especially for SJSU. SJSU only looks at your last 60 semester/90 quarter units so your GPA is slightly higher for that, however, they do also require/recommend at least a 4.5+ for the writing portion of the GRE.

Overall, if you really want to attend either SJSU or USC retake the GRE! If you want to attend Stanbridge, I think your GRE scores are fine, you would just need to really nail the interview portion in order to get in.

Thank you for your input! That was also a quick response, I really appreciate it. I just really have to nail the verbal section and improve my writing then. 🙂

 

[mjb2017]

Opinions needed!
I am primarily applying to MSOT programs, but have decided to add 2 OTD programs because of their locations and they don't require any additional documents on OTCAS. This is probably a stupid question, but are OTD programs much harder to get into compared to MSOT?- at least in terms of number of applicants. I wanted to make sure it wasn't a waste of money to apply to these programs and more applications could increase my chances of getting in. One of the programs is still in the developing stages and will be accepting their first class for fall 2018 so should I definitely keep that one on my list? Thanks for any input.

 

[ThatAcquaKid]

Opinions needed!
I am primarily applying to MSOT programs, but have decided to add 2 OTD programs because of their locations and they don't require any additional documents on OTCAS. This is probably a stupid question, but are OTD programs much harder to get into compared to MSOT?- at least in terms of number of applicants. I wanted to make sure it wasn't a waste of money to apply to these programs and more applications could increase my chances of getting in. One of the programs is still in the developing stages and will be accepting their first class for fall 2018 so should I definitely keep that one on my list? Thanks for any input.

It's kind of funny, because I'm only applying to OTD programs. I would say I don't think there's probably much difference between the admissions in an OTD and MSOT, because from what I've seen, class sizes stay about the same. I would think the only reason there would be a major difference would be if it's a brand new program (didn't have a MSOT program before). I definitely don't think it's a waste if you're legitimately interested in the program. I would recommend reading up on the differences in the MSOT v OTD. I personally only want a doctorate for the research component and because I want to complete my education in one sitting.

 

[Joelle22]

.

 

[wannabe_ot]

Hello, I'm a first-time applicant and I'm currently in the application process for the 2017-2018 cycle.

University: University of California - Santa Barbara (Quarter System)
Major: Biopsychology
Cumulative GPA: 3.01
Last 60 Semester/90 Quarter Unit GPA: 3.3-3.5
(Note: I took the prerequisite courses and a few other courses recently at a community college on the semester system. So it's difficult to determine my last 60 semester unit GPA. I'm not sure if they combine the GPA or treat them separately. So this is assuming that they combine the GPA.)
Pre-requisite GPA: 4.0
GRE: 152 Verbal, 158 Quantitative, AWA score pending (previous score was 3.5 🙁)
Volunteer/Observation: 113 hours at a pediatric OT clinic.
Work Experience: 2+ years as an ABA/Behavioral Therapist (1800+ clinical hours), in my second year as a Special Ed Aide (500+ hours)

I was wondering what my chances are for USC, Stanbridge, and SJSU. I understand that SJSU looks heavily at numbers and I would have to retake the GRE again. I have taken the GRE two times already and I wonder if it's worth the time and effort to try again. (I wouldn't mind but second opinions and thoughts would be appreciated.) I couldn't apply to CSUDH this cycle because I still have a course in progress. I'm going to attend both the USC info session and the Stanbridge info session to check the schools out. 🙂

I have gone to the SJSU and USC information sessions. The average accepted GPA last year was ~3.7 for USC and ~3.86 for SJSU. Although neither school focuses solely on GPA, they both seem to place importance on it. Although your cumulative GPA is on the lower end, I think that your pre-requisite GPA puts you in a competitive position! However -- like the person above me said, you should retake the GRE. SJSU does not even look at applications below the minimum 153 verbal and 4 writing.

 

[CptBarbel]

University: Kaplan University
Major: Health Science
Cumulative GPA: 3.72 (3.92 community college)
Last 60 Semester/90 Quarter Unit GPA: 3.82
Pre-requisite GPA: 4.0 (Abnormal Psychology and Anatomy and Physiology 2 currently taking)
GRE: NONE
Volunteer/Observation: 60 hours at Outpatient Rehab (including 40 hours of OTR shadowing). 40 hours SNF (Pending)
Letter of Recommendation: Supervisor from military and human lifespan development professor. Currently working on requesting one from OTR.
Military Background
- Deployment – Operation Inherent Resolve, Iraq (2015)
- Awards and Decoration – AF Achievement Medal, AF Outstanding Unit Award, AF Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon, AF Training Ribbon.
- Certification – Physical Training Leader, Joint Inspector, Hazardous Material Inspector, Self-aid Buddy Care, CBRNE, CPR. Air Force Trainer
- Recognition: 2013, 4th Quarter of the Airman, Rewarded Squadron Commander with coin for excellence.
- Marine Service Recognition – Meritorious Mast: Rewarded by Col. Douglas, U.S. Marine Corps., Commanding Officer Task Force Al Taqaddum, Iraq
- Physical Training Test – scored 95% and above every year (2012 – 2016)
- Upgrade Training Test – scored 97% end of course test for technical skill level 5
Community Volunteer
- Habitat for humanity (8 HOURS) – landscaped unkempt yard/build porch
- HOSTED charity – RAISED $550 VIA UNICEF/PHILIPPINE RED CROSS. TYPHOON HAIYAN VICTIMS IN THE PHILIPPINES received VITAL AIDE.
- CAMPOUT FOR HUNGER (8 HOURS) – 386 TONS FOOD/$240,000 COLLECTED: LABOR BENEFITED THOUSANDS DURING HOLIDAYS.
Work Experience: Billing representative (2016-present)

Remarks: Bachelor's Degree is from profit institution and regionally accredited. Took the degree 100% online due to military service duty but I have all my pre-reqs done at community college. Do you think degree from profit institution might affect my application? Any thoughts of my application status? What else should I do to make my application competitive? I have completed my essay and 1 person did a constructive criticism. I am not really good at essay and I have 2 more essay (departmental question) to do, just a draft for now.

 

[OT-riffic]

Ok, first time applying, wish me luck!!!!
University: UMass Boston
Major: Exercise and Health Science
Concentration: Exercise Science
Overall GPA: 3.47
Pre-Req GPA: 3.65-3.85
GRE: 157 V, 144 Q (ugh), AW: Awaiting Score

Extra-Curric: Currently work as a Rehab Tech in SNF (300 hrs), OT observation in an OP sensory integration clinic (8 hrs), Research Tech intern for Tufts U studying mobility impairment interventions (400 hrs), Externship developing community project for inclusive school serving at-risk youth (15 hrs), Research assistant on two public health studies on UMass campus

Volunteer: Rehab Tech at OP PT clinic (125 hrs), Adaptive sports volunteer (120 hrs), surf instructor for community organization serving orphan and foster children (10 hrs)

LOR: OTR/L from my Rehab Tech position, PT from volunteer position, Instructor that I worked with on research at UMASS and proctored my Stats, Ex Phys II, and Obesity classes.

Applying: Philadelphia, Shenandoah, Puget Sound, Winston-Salem State, Barry, University of St. Augustines (San Marcos), Tufts, Pacific, W. Michigan, Husson, NYU, Columbia, Alvernia

Acceptances:

Rejections:

Interviews:

 

[OTFLCAL]

quick question about OTCAS verification. I'm doing the professional transcript entry and it says that it could take up to 14 days, and then it would start the verification process which could take an additional 4 weeks.

My application is due on october 15th (about 3 weeks from now), and I was wondering if it would actually take the full amount of time!
Super nervous but hoping for the best.

 

[mystellique]

I have gone to the SJSU and USC information sessions. The average accepted GPA last year was ~3.7 for USC and ~3.86 for SJSU. Although neither school focuses solely on GPA, they both seem to place importance on it. Although your cumulative GPA is on the lower end, I think that your pre-requisite GPA puts you in a competitive position! However -- like the person above me said, you should retake the GRE. SJSU does not even look at applications below the minimum 153 verbal and 4 writing.

Thanks for your input! I just attended the USC info session today, but I've decided not to apply because of the costs. I am definitely going to take my time with the GRE and will apply for next cycle. It seems like improving my GRE score will give me more of an edge. 🙂

 

[TiffanyOT]

University: Stanbridge University-AA, Western new Mexico University-BA
Major: Occupational Therapy Assistant, Rehabilitation Services
Concentration: Occupational Therapy
Overall GPA: (OTCAS) 3.0 (Program) 4.0
Pre-Req GPA: 3.8
GRE: 149 V, 145 Q (ugh), AW: 4.0

Extra-Curric: Certified occupational therapy assistant- 3.5 years

Volunteer: Certified occupational therapy assistant- Geriatric experience, pediatric experience

LOR: 2 OTR/L, 1 COTA/DOR

Applying: University of St. Augustine-San Marcos, Stanbridge Unversity

Acceptances: University of St. Augustine

Rejections: -

Interviews: University of St. Augustine, Stanbridge University

 

[othopeful2018]

quick question about OTCAS verification. I'm doing the professional transcript entry and it says that it could take up to 14 days, and then it would start the verification process which could take an additional 4 weeks.

My application is due on october 15th (about 3 weeks from now), and I was wondering if it would actually take the full amount of time!
Super nervous but hoping for the best.

I submitted my application less than 2 weeks ago and I was verified in 4 days even though they said over the phone they were backed up for 2 to 3 weeks, so I wouldn't stress too much about it not being verified on time!